Sarfaraz Khan (Image credit: X)

JAIPUR: For months now, Sarfaraz Khan has lived with the noise — whispers about ‘missed chances’, stopstart opportunities and a nagging sense that he needed a statement knock. On Wednesday, he delivered it with a sledgehammer, scoring a blistering 157 off 75 balls to power Mumbai to a 87-run victory over Goa at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground. The fourth straight win kept Mumbai on top of the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C table and ended Goa’s threematch winning streak.All eyes were on Yashasvi Jaiswal but it was Sarfaraz who stole the afternoon show. Riding on his brutal hitting, Mumbai posted a staggering 444/8, a total that effectively decided the contest by the interval. Goa fought hard and crossed 350 but the chase was always a bridge too far despite Abhinav Tejrana’s 100.

Jaiswal, back after acute gastroenteritis, made 46 before he fell trying to force the pace. Sarfaraz’s younger brother Musheer Khan then shaped the innings with a fluent 60, keeping the board moving and setting up the launchpad. Sarfaraz took over from there and turned the game into a highlights reel.Batting at No. 4, he blasted nine fours and 14 sixes, bringing up his hundred off just 56 balls. His innings left Goa’s bowlers and fielders looking shellshocked.“When I came in, the run-rate wasn’t too high because both openers saw off the tricky first hour,” Sarfaraz told TOI. “It’s always difficult in the morning when the ball is doing a bit. I settled down first and then attacked as the pitch eased out. The plan was to score as many runs as possible and set a strong target.”He also underlined how the platform helped him explode. “By the time I came to the crease, Musheer was batting really well. He was the first to reach fifty,” Sarfaraz said. “I’ve played plenty of one-dayers and I know how to pace an innings. I have a good sweep and cut, and in this format you can’t have more than five fielders out. That gives me freedom to play my shots.”Despite the dream knock, Sarfaraz admitted he had one regret. “We have a common dream of scoring hundreds in the same game,” he said. “We were close in the Ranji Trophy this season and again last week, but we both got out in the fifties. Today, Musheer was batting so well and I thought we could do it. But dreams don’t come true that quickly.”BRIEF SCORES: Mumbai 444/8 in 50 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 157 off 75 balls; Musheer Khan 60; Hardik Tamore 53; Yashasvi Jaiswal 46; Darshan Misal 3/98, V Koushik 2/60, Lalit Yadav 2/93) beat Goa 357/9 in 50 overs (Abhinav Tejrana 100; Deepraj Gaonkar 70; Lalit Yadav 64; Shardul Thakur 3/20, Yashasvi Jaiswal 2/52) by 87 runs.

MUMBAI: In the days leading up to the nomination deadline for the BMC polls, the frenzy for tickets was unmistakable. From political heavyweights pushing family members into the fray, to grassroots karyakartas staking their claim, and recent turncoats seeking immediate political rehabilitation, every party saw intense pressure to accommodate aspirants.The numbers reflect this scramble. For the 227 seats on offer, 2,516 candidates filed nomination forms, of which 2,122—nearly 84% of the total—were filed on the final day, December 30, clearly pointing at both the high stakes and last-minute negotiations that defined this election cycle.

TOI spoke to senior politicians, election analysts and political researchers to understand what is driving candidates to the contest beyond sheer political ambition.

Sanjay Patil, research assistant, department of civics and politics, University of Mumbai; who authored a report ‘Contesting municipal elections-Motivations & Strategies (A Study of BMC election 2012 And 2017),’ points to a convergence of political and economic factors driving the unprecedented scramble for tickets this time.“Municipal elections in Mumbai are taking place after a gap of nine years, which makes them crucial entry points into formal politics for many aspirants,” Patil said. “Additionally, splits within major political parties such as the Shiv Sena and NCP have sharply expanded political ambition, with more factions and claimants seeking space.”Patil added that Mumbai’s evolving political economy has further fuelled the rush. “Over the past two decades, redevelopment and cluster development have significantly altered the city’s power structure. Control over municipal decision-making offers access to policy, resources and influence, making the civic body an attractive platform for those looking to advance both political and personal agendas,” he said.His research also revealed a gender dynamic. According to Patil, several male politicians strategically marry women with Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates to enable their wives to contest from reserved wards. “Even today, it remains difficult for women to break into the electoral fray independently,” he said. “Reservation offers them an entry point, but it also compels them to prepare, perform and prove themselves at the same electoral level once elected.”Other analysts pointed out that several heavyweight politicians have secured tickets for family members as a way of safeguarding and extending their political legacy. The latest round of ticket distribution, they said, clearly reflects a preference across parties for keeping power concentrated within political families.“Across party lines, the message is clear: leaders want their homes to remain power centres,” said political analyst Surendra Jondhale. “Fielding family members is a way of ensuring continued representation and influence within the municipal corporation.”Jondhale added that holding an elected position also brings an informal layer of protection and access. “Corporators are in constant touch with multiple power centres—from the police and wardlevel municipal machinery to, in some cases, city-level authorities. For prominent corporators, this access significantly strengthens their political leverage,” he said.A senior BJP leader said the party’s strong electoral performance in recent years has further fuelled the rush to contest civic polls, with many aspirants viewing this as the most opportune moment to enter the fray.“Our strike rate in successive elections has been exceptionally high, which has encouraged not just party workers but also leaders from other parties to join us with the expectation of securing a ticket,” the leader said.He added that ticket distribution, however, was far from automatic. “The party conducted internal surveys and sought detailed feedback from core committee members at multiple levels before finalising candidates. Those who failed to perform in the previous election were denied tickets this time,” the leader said, underscoring the BJP’s emphasis on winnability and performance.

HYDERABAD: Gig workers unions have renewed their demand for the removal of 10-minute delivery options and the restoration of earlier payout structures, ahead of a nationwide strike scheduled on Wednesday.The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) president, Shaik Salauddin, said the fast-delivery model was placing unsafe pressure on workers, while changes in payment systems had reduced earnings.

He said thousands of workers across the country were preparing to participate in the protest, which could disrupt delivery services during peak hours.“Our demand to the platform companies was that our old payout structure be reinstated and that the 10-minute delivery option be removed from all platforms. We had called for a strike on the 25th and 31st, and on the 25th, 40 thousand workers across India came out in support of it. We are ready to discuss and talk about it. We request the state and central government also to interfere in this,” Salauddin told ANI.According to the union, the protest has already begun in phases. Salauddin said that on December 25, around 40,000 workers across India joined demonstrations, leading to delays in more than half of deliveries.“On the 25th, around 40,000 workers across India joined the protest, due to which 50 to 60 per cent of orders were delayed. What happened on December 25 was just the trailer; the real picture will be seen on December 31,” he said.The strike is being organised under the banner of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), which represents delivery workers and drivers associated with companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Amazon.“People can see that we have been continuously raising our demands with platform companies. We have placed five key demands before them. Our first demand is that the old payout structure should be restored. Earlier, during festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Bakrid, fair payments were made. That system must be implemented again regularly,” Salauddin said.The union leader also criticised what he described as opaque, algorithm-driven management systems, alleging that workers’ incomes had suffered as a result.“The algorithm controls workers’ businesses. Incentives are not being paid properly, and there is no clarity. We also want a proper grievance redressal mechanism and social security benefits,” he added.Salauddin claimed the movement had the backing of more than 1.5 lakh workers nationwide and accused aggregator companies of attempting to intimidate those participating in the protest.“Workers are being threatened. Bouncers are being deployed near warehouses, and IDs are being blocked through team leaders and area managers. This kind of pressure will not work,” he said.Patna’s delivery riders face life-threatening pressuresIn Patna, the constant hum of motorcycles has become one of the city’s defining sounds. But this isn’t the noise of convenience or leisure—it’s the soundtrack of work under extreme pressure. Thousands of delivery riders are racing against digital timers that dictate not just their pay, but also their safety and dignity. For 25-year-old Kishan Kumar, the pressure is unrelenting. Each delivery comes with a 15-minute window, after which penalties are applied automatically, ratings drop, and incentives vanish. “We don’t drive recklessly by choice. It’s a desperate tactic to survive peak traffic hours. When roads are clear, we often hit 80-90 km/h because the app only recognises speed as performance,” Kishan explained. He admits to frequently riding on the wrong side of the road, fully aware that one slip could be fatal—all to deliver a single grocery order on time.Delhi likely to see service disruptionsIndia’s first women-led national trade union for gig and platform workers, the Gig & Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has also called a nationwide strike. Workers across the country are expected to switch off the apps they use to deliver food, groceries, and other services, bringing operations to a halt.Nirmal Gorana, GIPSWU’s national coordinator, said the strike follows a successful digital action on December 25, when about 5,000 workers in Delhi NCR went offline. “Gig workers nationwide are now showing solidarity through the December 31 strike, highlighting the sector’s collective strength and the economy’s dependence on their labour,” he added.The strike draws attention to persistent challenges faced by gig workers, including lack of basic labour rights, harassment, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. GIPSWU is urging central and state governments to address key demands in line with labour laws. These include setting minimum per-kilometre rates, ensuring workplace safety for women, providing maternity and emergency leave, and legally recognising platform workers as “workers” under labour law.

Otago Volts crushed Central Districts by 41 runs in the fifth match of Super Smash 2025-26 at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, where Glenn Phillips stole the show with an unbeaten 90 off 48 balls, featuring jaw-dropping left-handed shots that lit up social media.​

Glenn Phillips’ left-handed magic stuns the cricketing world 

New Zealand’s versatile batter Phillips turned heads by flipping to a left-handed stance mid-innings against Central Districts, smashing precise boundaries and towering sixes that caught everyone off guard.

Facing Dean Foxcroft in the 19th over, he switched seamlessly on a full delivery outside leg, drilling a stunning cover drive for four that raced away despite fielders’ disbelief. He upped the ante next over versus skipper Jayden Lennox‘s left-arm spin from around the wicket, lofting a massive six over extra cover—pure placement over power, defying his known big-hitting style. These switch-hits, honed in nets but unveiled competitively here, echoed David Warner‘s flair but stood out for control in a high-stakes T20 clash, with clips exploding online as fans marvelled at his ambidexterity.​​

Here’s the video:

Glenn Phillips loved it so much, he had to do it twice 😍🔥

Watch the #SuperSmash from Dec 26 – Jan 31, LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. #SonySportsNetwork #SuperSmash pic.twitter.com/kBMsAVAfDI

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 30, 2025

Also READ: Super Smash 2025-26: Complete squads of all 6 teams

Otago’s dominant victory over Central District

Otago made their intent clear from the very start after choosing to bat, flying to fifty inside five overs despite losing a few wickets along the way. Llew Johnson fell early, but Jamal Todd counterattacked with a quickfire 32 that included a couple of towering sixes, while Max Chu kept the momentum going with a lively 26. The real stability, though, came from Phillips at No. 4. As wickets fell around him and the middle order struggled to build partnerships, Phillips held his nerve. Otago slipped to 129 for five after 15 overs, but Phillips never looked rushed. Once set, he shifted gears dramatically, finding the boundary with ease and clearing the ropes at will. His unbeaten 90 off just 48 balls transformed a good total into a daunting one, lifting Otago to 193 for seven, even as Ben Lockrose was run out off the final delivery.

Central Districts began their chase with promise and were well in touch during the powerplay. Will Young set the tone with a blistering 40 off 19 balls, striking the ball cleanly before getting out at a crucial moment. Dane Cleaver and Dean Foxcroft tried to rebuild, guiding the score past 100, but the chase soon lost direction as pressure mounted. Run-outs and soft dismissals followed in quick succession, and the required rate kept climbing. Luke Georgeson led from the front with the ball, picking up four key wickets and breaking the backbone of the chase, while Danru Ferns and Matthew Bacon provided solid support. Central Districts eventually limped to 152 for eight, falling well short. Phillips was deservedly named Player of the Match, and the win pushed Otago up to third place on the points table.

Also READ: Super Smash 2025-26 Schedule: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand & other countries

Domestic natural gas consumption to surge by 3-45 in FY27 by expansion of City Gas Distribution: ICRA

The domestic natural gas consumption is expected to rebound and grow by 3-4% year-on-year in FY2027 after witnessing a phase of near-term moderation in FY2026, according to a report by ICRA.The report highlighted that the recovery in gas consumption will be driven by a pickup in industrial offtake and the continued expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network. ICRA expects higher gas usage from key consuming sectors such as refining, fertilisers and CGD to support this growth in FY2027.It stated “India’s natural gas consumption is expected to grow by 3-4 per cent year-on-year in FY2027, following a period of near-term moderation in FY2026”.ICRA noted that during the first seven months of FY2026, gas consumption declined by 4.5 per cent year-on-year. This drop was mainly due to lower offtake from major consuming sectors including fertilisers, power generation and refineries.While the CGD segment has continued to record healthy growth and remains a key driver of demand, overall gas consumption for FY2026 is expected to remain flat or witness low single-digit moderation.The report also pointed out that domestic gas production has remained stagnant, with any incremental output likely to be offset by the natural decline from existing gas fields. This has contributed to the subdued consumption trend in the near term.Looking ahead, ICRA said the broader energy environment is expected to be supportive. Crude oil prices are projected to average between USD 60-70 per barrel in FY2027 due to muted global demand growth amid rising supplies.Even at these price levels, the profitability of domestic crude oil producers is expected to remain healthy, and their capital expenditure plans are likely to stay intact.At the same time, domestic consumption of petroleum products is expected to grow by 1-2 per cent in FY2027.On the global front, LNG prices have eased due to expectations of warmer winters in key regions and healthy inventory levels. Additionally, significant LNG capacity additions planned globally are expected to lead to a moderation in LNG prices from calendar year 2027. Domestic gas prices are also expected to soften in line with lower crude oil prices.Overall, the report suggested that after a year of moderation, India’s natural gas consumption is set to regain momentum in FY2027, led by industrial recovery and steady growth in the CGD segment.

Mohammed Shami and Ajit Agarkar

New Delhi: In the ongoing domestic season, Mohammed Shami has already sent down over 200 overs for Bengal. He has played the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and is currently playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Even though he continues to stay on the sidelines for the national team, the seamer continues to do what he does best – make the ball talk and pick wickets with ease.There have been verbal volleys between Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar whenever the bowler didn’t get a call-up and his much debated absence will be up for discussion again when the selectors meet to pick the squad for New Zealand ODIs in the first week of January.

Agarkar has been repeatedly questioned about the omission and has maintained the “need to play some cricket” stand. If 145.2 overs in Ranji Trophy, 26.5 overs in SMAT and 34.2 overs in ongoing VHT doesn’t qualify, then the definition of “some cricket” needs to be made clear.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Shami, 35, last played for India in the Champions Trophy – where he was the lone specialist seamer doing the heavy lifting on turners – and returned with 9 wickets from five games, including a 5/53 outing.

Kolkata: Bengal’s Mohammed Shami celebrates after the wicket of Uttarakhand’s Devendra Singh Bora during the Ranji Trophy cricket match between Uttarakhand and Bengal, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI10_15_2025_000234A)

The skill and quality has never been a doubt but it was the recurring fitness issues which became a big roadblock in his selection. The chief selector had revealed during an event that Shami would have been on the flight to England had he been fit.But those are now conversations and discussions of the past. Looking ahead, selectors will find it really hard to ignore the experienced seamer for the three games against New Zealand starting January 11.He has given a terrific account of his fitness with regular outings for Bengal and the List A outings have been impressive with eight wickets in four games.

Mohammed Shami

The age argument could be tabled keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind but if Mitchell Starc can run through oppositions at 35, Scott Boland can be penetrative at 36 and Michael Nesser can make an impact at 35 for Australia, Shami can surely do his magic if he is carefully managed for the multi-nation event in South Africa.The right-arm seamer missed the early phase of the 2023 ODI World Cup due to combination calls but the moment he found a place in the XI, he showed what India missed. A genuine wicket-taker with an ability to singlehandedly run through oppositions. And not to forget the experience he brings to the table and how it would be of immense help to the likes of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.

“If he is fit, why wouldn’t we have a bowler like Shami? I have had multiple chats with him. Over the last six to eight months, what we have found out is that he wasn’t fit,” Agarkar had said during an event in New Delhi.Shami is fit. Shami is in top rhythm. Shami is picking wickets. Over to Agarkar & Co. now.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India and New Zealand will square off in an eight-match limited-overs series starting January 11, featuring three One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals. The tour will run through January 31.The series assumes added significance, coming at a time when several senior players are set to return to the ODI setup, while the T20 side looks to finalise combinations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

The ODI leg, in particular, is expected to attract considerable attention with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to make their return to the 50-over format after the South Africa series.India’s ODI squad is expected to assemble in Vadodara on January 7. The series opener will be played there on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18.The T20I leg, meanwhile, will serve as a final trial phase for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side as it gears up for its T20 World Cup title defence.

Ind vs NZ ODI 2026 squad announcement: All you need to know

While the BCCI has already announced the T20I squad for the New Zealand series, the ODI squad is yet to be named.The selection committee is expected to convene an online meeting around January 3 or 4 to finalise the ODI squad for the home series.New Zealand have already announced both their ODI and T20I squads for the tour of India.

New Zealand’s ODI squad vs India

Michael Bracewell (C), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young

India vs New Zealand T20Is: Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan KishanNew Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi

India vs New Zealand – Full ODI Schedule